Calderdale Project Update Archives

Chris Cammiss and His Adventures as an Access Auditor

14 January 2025

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Categories: Accessibility, Accessible Hebden Bridge, Blog, Calderdale Project Update, News

Reflecting on a Busy 2024

What a year 2024 was! It was busier and more varied than ever. Access audits galore. My work as an access auditor took me far and wide—from Calderdale to Worcester, mid Wales, and Cumbria.

Lots of outdoor work last year, with exploration of the Hebble Trail in Calderdale and connections to it, surveys of potentially useful green spaces, and lots of detailed work on several public parks, with a view to increasing access for children with disabilities.

Access Audits Enhancing Local Facilities

I contributed to several key projects:

Accessibility improvements for three leisure centres.
Developing pedestrian routes in Todmorden.
Planning the upgrade of Todmorden Market.
Advising planners on access enhancements in Brighouse.

These efforts are part of my mission to make public spaces more accessible.

But, as always, there have been some quirky visits – Heptonstall Museum
https://heptonstallmuseumfriends.org.uk/
with its display of The Gallows Pole materials, the downstairs concert venue at Grayston Unity
https://thegraystonunity.co.uk/

and the offices of Community Foundation for Calderdale
https://cffc.co.uk/.

But, I wouldn’t carry on with this work if it wasn’t fun – and there has been a lot of fun.

Parking on a cobbled street in Heptonstall at an angle of what felt like 45°, and having to be physically pulled in and out of my car with someone’s hand round my trouser belt so as not to miss my wheelchair is not standard procedure.

Being accosted by the police whilst measuring paths and pavements outside the Community Foundation for Calderdale offices doesn’t happen every day.

National Adventures with the Artfund

The big finish was work for the Artfund,
https://www.artfund.org/, checking galleries around the UK.

A visit to Blackwell House in Cumbria
https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/blackwell-the-arts-and-crafts-house-p1211861
was spectacular – pity the designated parking was only visible once I’d left my car in the standard car park and pushed to the entrance!

Worcester Gallery was lovely,
https://www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/, with a great lunch! The problem here wasn’t finding the site – you could circle it for hours – it was parking. Not a car-friendly environment – which is fine in principle unless you depend on the car (as I do).

Ty Pawb in Wrexham
https://www.typawb.wales
was the best – big galleries set in a building with lots of food stalls. Almost ate myself to bursting (well you’ve got to try stuff – it’s only polite!) and came home with bags and bags of old-fashioned sweets. And this place was directly connected to a multi-storey car park with free parking for me!

Looking Ahead to Access Audits 2025

So, 2025 begins – and it looks set to be as busy as last year.

Massive job to survey almost every public car park in Calderdale, volunteer training in Kent, pub audit in Birmingham planned, new Halifax Leisure Centre. Wow!

Watch this space,

Chris (man on a mission)

Contact us about your access audits
https://visitsunlimited.org.uk/contact-us/

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers In North Halifax, Ovenden

30 November 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in North Halifax, Ovenden

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Meet and Eat

For disabled people, families and carers.

For disabled residents and carers living in North Halifax.

Venue:

Blackburn House

Nursery Lane

Ovenden

HX3 5SJ

Date:

Wednesday 31st January 2024
11.00am to 2.00pm

We welcome all disabled people to a warm and friendly accessible venue, hot meal provided and opportunity to meet like minded people.

Gentle relaxation available too from Everybody Needs Massage with Kay.

For more information, and making sure we meet your access needs please contact

lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Or call on: 07596 707795

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers In North Halifax, Mixenden

30 October 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in North Halifax, Mixenden

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Meat-and-eat-flyer-North-Halifax-Mixenden — Meat and eat flyer North Halifax-Mixenden

For disabled people, families and carers.

For disabled residents and carers living in North Halifax

Venue: Holy Nativity Church, Sunny Bank Road, Mixenden, Halifax, HX2 8RX

Wednesday 29th November 2023 11am to 2pm

Opportunity to meet friendly, like-minded people in a warm, relaxing and welcoming space.

Have your say about your local area.

Refreshments and lunch provided at no cost. Booking essential.For more information, and making sure we meet your access needs please contact lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

or Katie on 07908 624549

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum: Giving Disabled People a Voice

13 September 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Having a voice with the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum

Thanks to the funding from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, we have been able to continue our work with the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum. This funding has enabled us to create an accessible platform where local disabled people can openly share their lived experiences. These discussions shed light on the challenges and daily barriers they face.

We focus on the things that are important to local people. Including getting out and about and how to get there. Both these go together. You need to be able to get on a bus, drive and park, and arrive safely at your destination. You also need the information before you leave the house, and to be clear on what to expect when you get there.

We aim that the whole customer experience of a day out, a trip to the park, visiting a museum, going to the library, shopping or eating in a café is as accessible and inclusive to all.

Disabled people with a wide range of impairments, family members, and carers make up the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum. They all have deep insight and local knowledge of what works and where to go. Also what doesn’t work and what we can do together to make improvements. Our group meets regularly on line, face to face and in local parks and greenspaces.

We make sure that our group is represented at local strategic level, ward forums, consultation meetings, and events as well as our own focus groups and peer support sessions.

For more information on the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum please get in touch with

Lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Tel 07596707795

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

30 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Walk and Ride South Pennines Festival September 28th 2023

11.00am to 1.30pm

The Accessible Calderdale Project

For all disabled people, family members and carers.

We welcome everyone

Join us for good company, beautiful countryside and lots of fun.

Please bring a picnic and we will provide drinks and snacks. Changing Places accessible toilets available at start and finish.

Meet at Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub,

44 Burnley Rd, Todmorden OL14 7BX ( https: /tlchub.org.uk/ )

For more information on getting there, any access needs and booking a place please contact:

lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com Or call on: 07596 707795

https: /southpenninespark.org/event-list/walk-and-ride-festival/

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers Park Ward Halifax

30 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events

Accessible Calderdale: Meet and Eat For Disabled People, Families and Carers in Park Ward Halifax

Part of the Accessible Calderdale Project.

Accessible Calderdale Poster for Meet and Eat in Park Ward — Poster for Meet and Eat in Park Ward

Are you a disabled person, a carer, or a family member living in or near to Park Ward?

We are holding our Meet and Eat get together on:

Wednesday 25th October 2023, Wednesday 13th December 2023 , Wednesday 17th January 2024, Wednesday 13th March 2024

At 11.00am to 2.00pm

Meet other disabled people in a friendly. accessible and warm environment.

Join us for refreshments and free food.

Every Body Needs Massage will be with us too.

For more information email lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

or text 07596707795

Thanks to Community Foundation for Calderdale VSI AllianceWest Yorkshire Integrated Care Board for funding these sessions.

#harnessingthepowerofcommunities

You can read more about the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum here

More about the Accessible Calderdale Project

The Accessible Calderdale Project, commenced in 2018 with the aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers, promote inclusion and improve access to our local community and visitors, enabling all people to have equal opportunities, make a positive contribution and lead purposeful lives.

“We aim to create choices and a more cohesive community where everyone has the opportunity to interact and play an equal part in society.”

You can keep up to date with the Accessible Calderdale Project on our Facebook page.

Our Aims and Objectives

Working in co-production with our Accessible Calderdale Disability Forum, we work towards removing both the physical and non-physical barriers to inclusion by:

Raising awareness and changing attitudes towards disabled people to enable positive interaction in everyday life
Promoting accessible venues, places of interest, green spaces, new builds & regeneration projects
Disability equality and customer service training
Working collaboratively with key organisations

Co-production/Partnerships

A co-production and partnership approach is central to our work. We work closely with a wide range of colleagues from key organisations and stakeholders including Calderdale Council Visit Calderdale, Visit Hebden and Visit Todmorden to improve the accessibility of information provided on their websites, to ensure that there are up to date access statements, and that all venues, businesses and organisations are able to have access audits.

We encourage disabled people to review local places and for this to be used on Visit Calderdale website.

For more information please contact:- lorraine.accessiblecalderdale@gmail.com

Update regarding accessible toilets

29 August 2023

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Our Accessible Calderdale project and the Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum are at the heart of many of the new designs and developments across Calderdale.

We thought it would be helpful to give people some up-to-date information about accessible toilets as we know this is something very important. Difficulty in finding a loo is often a reason disabled people find it hard to plan a day out.

Logo of the Changing Places campaign and brand

Photo of a fully accessible large toilet space with changing table, toilet, sink and hoist.

Drawing of a fully accessible large toilet space with changing table, toilet, sink and hoist

The Changing Places campaign

For many years we have supported the Changing Places campaign.

Changing Places are a specific type of accessible toilet. They are different from a standard accessible toilet in that they have lots of space, an adjustable bed, and a hoist. These features are necessary for people who need a lot of help and who cannot go out and about unless these types of facilities are available.

Changing Places is also the name of the national consortium of organisations which campaigns for and registers Changing Places toilets. These organisations work to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the Changing Places toilets they need to live full and independent lives.

Changing Places accessible toilets give more disabled people with a wide range of impairments the opportunity to get out and about with the knowledge that they can either go to the toilet or have space to be changed. This can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic participation.

They can be opened with a Radar Key. Or a key is often available at the venue.

https://news.motability.co.uk/everyday-tips/radar-keys-explained-what-are-they-where-can-i-use-them-and-how-do-i-get-one/

There has been a campaign for many years to improve toilets for disabled people and children.

Due to the success of the campaign there has been a lot of funding available for local authorities to apply to have Changing Places toilet facilities in local venues.

Some of these venues could be:

A shopping centre or
Theatre or
Museum or a
Park

In Calderdale we worked closely 18 months ago with the local council to receive funding for 3 new Changing Places accessible toilets.

Todmorden Community Hub – about to be opened with a launch

Fire and Water – in progress

Ogden Reservoir – in progress

Where are Changing Places accessible toilets?

There are already Changing Places accessible toilets in the following venues:

Eureka

https://play.eureka.org.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information/

Orange Box Youth Centre in the centre of Halifax

https://www.closomat.co.uk/changing-places-at-the-orangebox-to-optimise-youth-potential/

Square Chapel theatre in the centre of Halifax

https://squarechapel.co.uk/visit/

Brighouse Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre

https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/sports-and-fitness/venues/brighouse-swimming-pool-and-fitness-centre

The new bus station in Halifax

https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/hbs/widgets/10395/faqs

For more information on Changing Places see:

https://www.changing-places.org/

My visit to Shibden Park on 10th June 2021

21 June 2021

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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Shibden Park Accessibility Review: A Day with Calderdale Community Transport

Aisha Mir explores Shibden Park accessibility with Calderdale Community Transport

A trip to Shibden Park with Calderdale Community Transport turned into a valuable discussion about accessibility for wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and visitors with visual impairments.

Meeting the Park Managers

Chris Hancox and Steve Mitchel from Calderdale Community Transport provided a smooth pick-up and drop-off for Aisha and her 2-year-old son. While a slight delay due to car seat safety checks meant missing a full introduction with park manager Mark Spencer, the other park managers were incredibly welcoming.

Accessibility Concerns Raised

The group discussed accessibility challenges faced by wheelchair users, blind people, elderly visitors, and those with prams. Issues included:

Pot holes and uneven surfaces throughout the park
A dangerous bus stop and uneven road leading to the lower car park
Lack of accessible alternative routes around historical areas
Difficulty navigating the park with a pram due to steep inclines and loose surfaces like sand (used for filming purposes)

Positive Aspects and Requests for Improvement

Aisha acknowledges the park’s beauty and appreciates the improvements made, particularly the accessible path around the upper park. However, she emphasizes the need for further accessibility measures, such as:

An accessible path alongside the park train route for safe pedestrian movement
Improved signage throughout the park for better navigation, especially for first-time visitors
Inclusion of a changing place facility within the park toilets

A Day Filled with Connection and Hope

Despite the accessibility concerns, Aisha highlights the positive aspects of the visit:

Enjoying the beautiful weather
Reconnecting with friends after the COVID-19 lockdown
Indulging in a delicious mocha at the cafe

The group’s valuable discussions and suggestions for improvement leave Aisha hopeful for positive changes at Shibden Park.

Find out more from the Shibden Park Website Click Here

Centre Vale Park Todmorden looks like a great place to visit after lockdown.

21 April 2020

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Categories: Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Exploring Accessible Beauty: Centre Vale Park in Todmorden

Accessible tourism is all about ensuring everyone can enjoy the wonders of travel and exploration. While scenic locations are often the highlight of any trip, accessibility considerations can sometimes be an afterthought. Recently, I came across Centre Vale Park in Todmorden, and it piqued my interest for all the right reasons.

A Haven for All in Todmorden

While I haven’t had the chance to visit Centre Vale Park myself yet, based on my online research, it appears to be a haven for accessible tourism. Spanning an impressive 33 hectares, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you seek peaceful woodland walks or open green spaces for picnics and play, Centre Vale Park seems to cater to all interests.

Promising Features for Accessible Tourism

The park’s vast size itself translates to ample space for leisurely exploration at your own pace. Additionally, the presence of features like woodland walks with potentially well-maintained paths suggests easy navigation for those with mobility limitations. Open parkland often provides accessible routes for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, further enhancing the park’s inclusivity.

Playful Fun for All Ages

Centre Vale Park’s play areas hold the promise of inclusive fun for all ages. While specific details about the accessibility of play equipment are unavailable online, the park’s overall focus on inclusivity makes it hopeful that the play areas cater to children with various needs. The inclusion of an under-12s roadway adds another exciting dimension for children, offering a safe space to learn and practice essential skills.

Planning Your Accessible Visit to Centre Vale Park

Once the current restrictions are lifted, Centre Vale Park is definitely a place to add to your accessible travel itinerary. To ensure a smooth visit, consider researching the park’s accessibility features in more detail. This might involve contacting the park authorities or checking their website for information on accessible parking, restrooms, and designated accessible routes.

External Resource for Accessible Travel

For further guidance on accessible travel planning, you can refer to the informative resources provided by the National Centre for Accessible Travel National Centre for Accessible Travel (NCAT).

Centre Vale Park, with its seemingly inclusive design and diverse offerings, promises an enjoyable escape for visitors seeking accessible adventures in Todmorden. So, why not plan your trip and experience the beauty of this park for yourself?

So, the first year of the brilliant Accessible Calderdale project is already over! Bring on the second!

10 January 2020

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Categories: Accessibility, Blog, Calderdale Project Update

Discovering Accessible Calderdale

Accessible Calderdale has been consistently absorbing and incredibly varied this year. Massive plans, big ideas, and selfless individuals are making remarkable strides towards inclusivity and accessibility. My role as an Access Auditor has allowed me to witness these efforts firsthand and support numerous voluntary projects. Hopefully, my advice, backed by funding from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, will help these projects realise their dreams. Here’s a summary of the high points, interesting people, and fascinating twists and turns from the past year.

Memorable Audits and Projects

Puzzle Hall Inn in Sowerby Bridge

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting the Puzzle Hall Inn in Sowerby Bridge. The sheer excitement of being rolled backwards down a 45° slope in my wheelchair to see the progress will linger long in my mind. This build looks like a fantastic idea, and I can’t wait to attend a concert there when it opens. It promises to be a great accessible venue.

Fire and Water Renovation

Just a little further down the road, the ambitious Fire and Water renovation project is underway. This massive endeavour doesn’t seem to faze anyone involved. I was particularly fascinated by the basement, currently storing the Rush Cart and the Golden Goose plus eggs. The dedication and hard work behind this project are truly inspiring.

Community Engagements and Unique Experiences

Cornholme Community Area

The Cornholme Community area offered the largest selection of teas and infusions I’ve ever seen in one spot. It’s a testament to the community’s vibrant and welcoming spirit.

Sowood Preschool

Sowood Preschool stood out with some of the nicest kids I’ve met in a long while. They were so concerned about my ability to access their playground but found an alternative way to ensure I could join them. Their kindness was heartwarming.

Luddenden Foot

Luddenden Foot provided the best tea and toast amidst their vibrant playgroup. It’s small gestures like these that highlight the community’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality.

Embracing the Great Outdoors

Cromwell Bottom Canal Walk

Exploring the Calderdale countryside was another highlight. The canal walk at Cromwell Bottom and the site of a proposed viewing platform, now under construction, was a memorable experience. Nature’s beauty coupled with efforts to make it accessible is commendable.

Jerusalem Farm

Witnessing kingfishers at Jerusalem Farm after a glorious walk was another standout moment. The serene environment and ongoing projects to enhance accessibility make it a must-visit spot.

Beechwood Park and Riding School for the Disabled

Planning a sensory garden at Beechwood Park and petting the horses at the Riding School for the Disabled were other notable experiences. These projects exemplify how Accessible Calderdale is making the outdoors more inclusive.

Unexpected and Delightful Discoveries

St Augustine’s Centre

An unexpected curry at St Augustine’s Centre was a delightful surprise. The centre’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity is truly impressive.

Blackley and Wainsgate Chapels

The beautiful Baptist Chapels at Blackley and Wainsgate were other gems. Their historical significance and efforts towards accessibility make them important cultural landmarks.

Skillshop Hydrotherapy Pool

The brilliant hydrotherapy pool amongst the fascinating outbuildings at the Skillshop was another highlight. It’s a fantastic facility that significantly contributes to accessibility in Calderdale.

Connecting with the Community

Halifax Minster and The Hive

Discussing ancestry at Halifax Minster and sharing hippy reminiscences at The Hive over a cup of tea were other enriching experiences. These interactions highlighted the community’s inclusive and welcoming nature.

Overgate Hospice Boutique

A period of rest and relaxation in the sophisticated Overgate Hospice Boutique with another cup of tea was the perfect end to a fulfilling day. The boutique’s serene environment is a testament to Accessible Calderdale’s commitment to inclusivity.

Looking Forward to 2020

So, what will 2020 bring? Whatever it is, it will be unexpected and brilliant, showcasing the best of human nature. I’ll keep you informed as Accessible Calderdale continues to evolve and inspire.

Next up, I’m heading to Rokt in Brighouse to advise on their rock-climbing facility. Rock climbing and wheelchair accessibility – really? Watch this space!

Chris Cammiss

Access Auditor

ACCESSIBLE CALDERDALE PROJECT

11 January 2019

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Categories: Accessibility, Accessible Hebden Bridge, Blog, Calderdale Project Update, Events, News

Calderdale Gets Major Accessibility Boost!

Visits Unlimited, a Halifax-based user-led organization, has secured 3 years of funding from the Community Foundation for Calderdale. This exciting development allows them to build upon their successful work. With disabled people, local voluntary groups, and various stakeholders like the local authority, visitor attractions, transport companies, businesses, and Visit Calderdale.

Their ultimate goal is clear: to transform Calderdale into a fully accessible and welcoming environment. In essence, they want everyone, including people with disabilities and their families, to fully enjoy the area and create lasting memories that will make them want to return.

But who exactly are Visits Unlimited?

A leading force in accessibility, Visits Unlimited works collaboratively with tourism industry colleagues, both locally and nationally. Their expertise extends to a comprehensive training and access audit program offered across England. Their impressive roster of clients includes prestigious names like the National Trust, English Heritage, various sports grounds, major tourist attractions, small businesses, theaters, music venues, museums, and hotels.

Locally, Visits Unlimited has already made a significant impact. Funded by a 2015 grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, their Accessible Hebden project proved highly successful. Through collaboration with disabled people, they conducted over 40 access audits and surveys on small businesses, empowering them to become more accessible. The positive legacy continues! This project is now an integral part of local strategic work, and the Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum actively promotes accessibility by influencing new planning and designs.

Accessible Calderdale

Firstly Accessible Calderdale is building on this work and will be working across Calderdale. Together with Disability Partnership Calderdale to ensure that we have the voice of disabled people, their families and carers, organisations working with people with a range of impairments to have a say in how the project runs.

“Visits Unlimited have been a catalyst for us on the Hebden Bridge project. We had identified access issues with our Access Group but just turning up was not good enough. Visits Unlimited did a report on the train station and to have their report under our arm has given strength to our argument every single time we have met and we were able to go to Network Rail and the highway authorities – it has made a big difference. I have learned a lot – things I did not know or what was available.” Hebden Bridge Partnership.

“Our disability survey was extremely useful as we did not appreciate the things that needed doing. Chris gave us lots of useful simple ideas including even changing the door knob on the toilet facilities that we never thought about.” Pennine Heritage.

The project has developed two working groups which convened in December 2018, ‘How to get there’ with a focus on accessible transport and ‘Places to go’ which focuses on accessible tourism. The groups will meet four times a year and are integral to the project in developing Calderdale into an accessible and inclusive place.

Calderdale Disability Access Forum

In essence, Visits Unlimited are establishing a Calderdale Disability Access Forum. So any organisation or individual wishing to get involved can contact the project coordinator, Lorraine Beiley. The group will meet in March 2019. We are delighted to have already made some good alliances with voluntary and community sector. The local authority and Visit Calderdale, and are holding an event at Square Chapel on February 26^th 2019. Guest speakers include Visit England, our own Eureka and Accessible Derbyshire.

#wewelcomeeveryone. We will be doing free access audits and there will be opportunity for community organisations. To apply for a small grant from Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Contact details

For more information contact Lorraine@visitsunlimited.org.uk or rob@cffc .co.uk